By Michelle Dunlop Herald Writer
The Boeing Co. dropped orders for 26 aircraft, valued as much as $5.8 billion, from its order tally Aug. 5.
Boeing reduced its backlog by 15 787 Dreamliners, 10 777s and one single-aisle 737. With this latest 787 cancellation, Boeing now has more cancellations for its delayed Dreamliner this year than it has new orders. Boeing has received 32 cancellations for its 787 since the beginning of 2010, with just 28 orders.
Chicago-based Boeing is aiming to deliver the first 787 later this year to Japan’s All Nippon Airways — more than two years behind schedule. However, company officials hinted last month that the delivery of the 787 might slide into early 2011.
Although Boeing doesn’t comment on order cancellations, it no longer lists an order for 15 787s for Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.
Boeing and the carrier had confirmed the Dreamliner order in late 2007 when the United Arab Emirates-based leasing company made a splash by placing a $29 billion aircraft order split between Boeing and Airbus. Industry observers have been skeptical of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s ability to keep those orders due to the leasing company’s financial woes.
Boeing added orders for two 737s — one for a business jet and the other from an undisclosed customer. The new orders and cancellations bring Boeing’s year-to-date net order total to 255. The company has received 319 gross orders and 64 total cancellations.
Also Aug. 5, Boeing reported that it had delivered 41 aircraft in July, including 10 Everett-built 777s. Through the end of July, Boeing has delivered 263 aircraft; 211 of those deliveries were of Boeing’s popular Renton-built 737.
Boeing’s shares dropped 54 cents Aug. 5 to close at $68.71.
